Skin tags are non-cancerous growths that typically do not cause problems or require treatment. However, these soft skin lesions can be pesky and cause issues ranging from cosmetic concerns to discomfort. They might catch on a razor, clothing, jewelry, or bed linens, which can be uncomfortable. Skin tags affect and are common in both men and women over the age of 50. They can appear all over the body, however, they are commonly found in places where your skin folds. In this article, we discuss the causes of skin tags, as well as treatment and removal options.
Skin Tags (Acrochordons)
What is a skin tag?
Skin tags, or in medical terms “acrochordons”, are flesh-colored bumps of tissue that connect to the surface of the skin by a narrow stalk. These non-cancerous skin lumps consist of loose collagen fibers and blood vessels surrounded by skin. It is important to note that skin tags are not a form of skin cancer. Though harmless, hanging skin growth may indicate underlying conditions in some individuals. Those with multiple skin tags could have an increased risk for:
- Crohn’s disease
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Colonic polyps
- Acromegaly
- Lipid disorders
- Acanthosis nigricans
What causes a skin tag?
For some people, developing skin tags is a genetic predisposition. Therefore, if your mom and or dad had or have these common benign skin growths, then you are more likely to get these types of skin lesions.
These growths can appear anywhere on the skin, but they usually develop where skin has been rubbing against skin, jewelry, or clothing. For this reason, we tend to see them in folds/creases of skin, including the neck, armpits, eyelids, and around the groin. The more skin rubs in these areas, the more likely a skin tag will form. As a result, we frequently see them in well-nourished patients as well as patients with type 2 diabetes.
Size varies from tiny skin protrusions that resemble grains of sand to larger growths resembling small hanging nodules. The best dermatologists know that just because it looks like a skin tag, it might not be. There are numerous other types of growths that can appear tag-like on the outer layer of the skin. These include warts and growths called seborrheic keratosis. Some moles can even look like a skin tag.
Skin Tag (Acrochordon) Treatment Options
While it can help to treat skin tags, most do not need treatment. For this reason, dermatologists and insurance providers consider skin tag treatment to be cosmetic. Many insurance providers classify skin tag removal as a cosmetic procedure, meaning costs are often out-of-pocket. Therefore, you can expect some out-of-pocket expenses with skin tag treatment. Treatment can cause discomfort or even bleeding.
How are skin tags removed?
Many individuals ask our dermatologists about over-the-counter skin tag remedies, but evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited. Some patients ask about tying a string around small hanging growths to remove it. There are many risk factors involved in doing so, therefore we do not recommend patients try this at home. To avoid infection, scarring, and unnecessary pain, we recommend seeing a dermatologist. The three best skin tag removal treatments include:
- Freezing: Liquid nitrogen is applied to the non-cancerous skin lump, causing it to fall off over time. Smaller tags may only result in a slight sting, while larger ones may require numbing cream.
- Cauterization: Heat is used to burn off the tiny skin projection, minimizing bleeding.
- Snip Excision: A dermatologist carefully removes the raised skin growth using sterile tools.
What to Know Before Removing a Skin Tag
When your dermatologist treats these growths, they will consider several different factors including size, location, and general health history. They will also consider whether or not you take any blood-thinning medications including but not limited to aspirin, ibuprofen, and other anti-inflammatories. If you have skin tags that you worry about or bother you, consider contacting the top Omaha dermatologists at Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands to speak with a professional today.
Additional Information: 5 Reasons to See a Dermatologist for Mole, Skin Tag Removal (American Academy of Dermatology)
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